That's how Frank Hood saw things in making the decision to leave Southern, a school that he built into a Class 2A baseball power, for his alma mater, Arundel.

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After five seasons, including a 33-16 record and two state titles the past two years, Hood is heading back to the Gambrills school, where he is also a teacher in the social studies department.

"It was a very hard decision; but it was also a very easy decision for me," Hood said. "I went with the best decision for my family. I live five minutes away and I work there. Arundel is in my blood."

Hood, a 1999 Arundel graduate, was a member of the 1998 Class 4A state champion Wildcats baseball team. He began his coaching career at Arundel and spent a year with Steve Miller at Archbishop Spalding before taking over in Harwood. His Bulldogs teams struggled at first, as he went 20-44 those first three years, but Hood's resolve and baseball acumen won out over time.

"It was pretty amazing to see my players grown from freshmen to seniors; to see them grow as baseball players and individuals," Hood said. "The program has developed collegiate baseball players and the alumni and fans really bought in."

Southern had made the state tournament seven times prior to Hood's arrival, including a string of four straight region championships in the early 2000s under Gary Gubbings and Manny Branco. But, before 2014, the Bulldogs had not won a state title. In just over 12 months, they won two. In 2015, Truman Thomas became the first Southern baseball player named Capital Gazette Communications Player of the Year, batting .487 and going 5-1 on the mound. The program as a whole earned respect around the state while on Hood's watch.

"Part of me can't wait to move forward and get started at Arundel, but part of me wants one more day with those kids. Those guys have been pretty supportive of the decision."

Hood, who coaches both Arundel and Southern players for the Maryland Monarchs in the summer, broke the news to his kids earlier in the week. It was emotional, but Hood knows in his heart he is making the right decision.

"There are guys like Dillon Waters and Chris Blair and DJ Coleman who are leaders, who know what it takes to win,'' Hood said. "They are going to help with the transition because they will help the new coach with the junior varsity kids and any transfers with the culture of winning that is there."

As for Arundel, new Athletic Director Kevin Necessary, who has already been tasked with three head coaching hires since taking over for Lee Rogers last month, saw Hood as an obvious candidate for the baseball position.

"Frank was an elite candidate who happened to also give a great interview," Necessary said. "He outlined his vision for the future, in terms of structure and facilities, and he has a winning background. Not only will he continue the tradition of success with Arundel baseball, he will contribute to the overall aspect of the athletic department."

Hood takes over for Jason Lively, another Arundel grad who led the Wildcats to at least 16 wins each of the last four years. Lively stepped down at the end of the school year to spend more time with his family.

"Jason was heavily involved in the baseball community and Frank is the same way," Necessary said. "He has a positive relationship with a lot of our kids from his teaching background, and he is a winner. He is a great addition for us."

Hood joins a growing group of Arundel alumni who head Wildcats programs, including Chuck Markiewicz with football, Jeff Starr with boys basketball and Jason Gilman with girls lacrosse.

"It means a lot to me to be here," Hood said. " I played here and matured as both an athlete and a young coach here. This is home."